Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Just right down the road from Hidcote is Kiftsgate Court Gardens. This garden was created by Heather Muir beginning in the 1920s. Muir's daughter, Diany Binny, came to live at Kiftsgate in 1954. She would add the half-moon pool and redesigned the white garden. She also first opened the garden to the public. Today, the tradition continues as granddaughter Anne Chambers and her husband maintain the gardens. Heather Muir was a friend and neighbor of Hidcote's Lawrence Johnston (their houses are within one mile of each other), and he inspired her in the garden's design. However, the two gardens differ in character and have their own unique characteristics. While Johnston's garden is laid out in strict geometric lines, Muir took a more naturalistic approach. Muir added many heirloom shrub roses to the garden and is famous for the 'Kiftsgate' rose, which occurred from a seedling in the garden. Unfortunately, we were too early for the roses. There were a few like t...
Sounds like fun! Wish I could stop by, but it's a bit of a drive. ;-) Pretty cool that you have a "Men's Garden Club".
ReplyDeleteI'll be by; let's hope the weather cooperates. We've gotten wonderful plants in the past; last year we were able to buy butterfly weed that actually grew! [Lots of credit goes to the person who transplanted it.] It's worth a trip to Florence if you're anywhere nearby - the plants are great, everyone's willing to give out helpful information, and the prices are really good.
ReplyDeleteHope your sale went well! I agree with Lisa pretty cool that there is a Men's Garden Club. I can count on one hand the number of men in the garden club I belong to. I think most of them just bring their wife to the meeting or they are widowed and looking for another wife! Whatever works.
ReplyDeleteI think the sale was a success. I haven't heard yet how much money was made but there were a lot of people there and not many plants left.
ReplyDeleteThe Men's Garden Club is pretty active. I just recently joined. I wish there were younger guys in it - I think I'm the youngest and I'm no spring chicken. But everybody I've met is super nice.